In this episode of Mommywood, host Emily talks with Beth Crosby, known as Garbage Mom on Instagram. They explore the chaotic yet beautiful world of motherhood, the challenges of aging, and the importance of honesty and humor in parenting. Beth shares her journey of creating a community through her comedic content, the realities of being a 'Garbage Mom', and her aspirations for future projects, including a unique music festival celebrating women in midlife. The conversation is raw, funny, and relatable, making it a must-listen for moms everywhere.
Chapters
00:00 Welcome to Mommy Wood
03:15 The Birth of Garbage Mom
12:54 Navigating Motherhood and Aging
20:09 The Vulnerability of Sharing
24:47 Acting and Motherhood: A Balancing Act
30:25 Navigating Self-Taping Challenges
33:11 Balancing Family and Public Life
34:35 Advice to Pre-Mom Self
38:47 The Reality of Parenting and Career
40:16 Future Aspirations and Creative Projects
43:58 Rapid Fire Parenting Questions
Takeaways
Beth Crosby embraces the imperfections of motherhood.
The term 'Garbage Mom' is a badge of honor for real moms.
Comedy can be a powerful tool for connection among mothers.
Navigating the transition from young mom to midlife is challenging.
Honesty in parenting can create a supportive community.
Social media can amplify the voices of mothers.
It's important to share experiences while respecting children's privacy.
The pressure to be funny can be overwhelming for content creators.
Creating content can be a form of therapy for mothers.
Future projects can stem from personal experiences and community needs.
Today on Mommywood, we’re joined by the incredible Alysha Young — actor, podcaster, and founder of Love Talent Mama. You might know her as the voice behind the ‘Acting Like a Mom’ podcast, where she keeps it real about juggling motherhood and the entertainment industry. Alysha’s a mom of two young kids, and somehow still finds time to inspire other moms in the biz with her honesty, humor, and heart. We’re diving into what it means to chase your creative dreams while raising tiny humans — and how she’s building a supportive space for moms who get it.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Podcast Naming Journey
02:39 Navigating Motherhood in the Acting Industry
05:41 The Challenges of Balancing Family and Career
08:34 Deciding to Have Children as Actors
11:32 Experiences of Pregnancy and Early Motherhood
14:34 The Impact of Children on Relationships
17:31 Auditioning with Kids and Family Dynamics
20:25 The Decision to Move for Family and Career
23:19 The Reality of Self-Taping and Auditioning
26:07 Navigating the Industry as a Family
29:13 The Emotional Journey of Motherhood
31:50 Advice for Aspiring Parents in the Industry
34:42 The Joys and Challenges of Parenting
37:33 Final Thoughts on Family and Career
Takeaways
The podcast name reflects the challenges of motherhood in acting.
There is a growing community of mothers in the acting industry.
Balancing family and career is a common struggle for actors.
Pregnancy can change one's perspective on career aspirations.
Having children can enhance life experiences, not hinder them.
Communication is key in relationships when raising children.
Self-taping has changed the audition landscape for actors.
It's important to give oneself grace during parenting challenges.
The love for children can be overwhelming and transformative.
Deciding to have children should not be solely based on career considerations.
Summary
In this episode of Mommywood, Emily engages in a heartfelt and humorous conversation with comedian Brittany Ross about the challenges and joys of motherhood intertwined with a career in comedy. They discuss the identity shifts that come with being a mom, the balancing act of parenting and performing, and how Brittany's experiences shape her comedic material. The conversation also touches on the decision to expand the family, the emotional journey of pregnancy, and the unique perspective of a stand-up mom navigating the complexities of parenting in public. Brittany shares her insights and advice for aspiring mom comedians, emphasizing the importance of humor and authenticity in their journeys.
Takeaways
Comedy can be a coping mechanism for motherhood.
The identity shift that comes with being a mom is significant.
Balancing parenting and a performing career is challenging but rewarding.
Public parenting can be particularly difficult due to judgment from others.
It's important to share personal experiences in comedy.
The decision to have a second child can be complex and emotional.
Pregnancy can bring unexpected challenges and mental health struggles.
Having a supportive partner is crucial for managing family and career.
Children's perspectives on their parents can be brutally honest.
Finding humor in parenting struggles can be therapeutic.
Chapters
00:00 Welcome to Mommy Wood
00:58 The Roller Coaster of Motherhood and Comedy
09:14 Balancing Act: Parenting and Performing
14:45 The Evolution of Comedy Post-Motherhood
19:17 Navigating the Challenges of Parenting
26:33 The Decision to Expand the Family
33:04 The Journey of Pregnancy and Miscarriage
39:04 The Unique Perspective of a Stand-Up Mom
49:00 Advice for Aspiring Mom Comedians
In this episode of Mommywood, host Emily speaks with actress and on-camera confidence coach Brittany Noel about her journey through motherhood and the creative process behind her new short film, 'Postpartum.' They discuss the challenges of balancing a career in the arts with parenting, the importance of maternal mental health, and the need for more support for mothers. Brittany shares her insights on how motherhood has influenced her career goals and the significance of creating content that resonates with other moms. The conversation highlights the power of community and the importance of sharing stories that can spark change.
Takeaways
Brittany Noel emphasizes the importance of expressing motherhood experiences through art.
The film 'Postpartum' aims to raise awareness about maternal mental health.
Mothers often feel pressured to balance career and family life.
Brittany's journey reflects the challenges of being a creative parent.
The need for more support and resources for new mothers is crucial.
Community support can amplify important conversations about motherhood.
Brittany's on-camera coaching helps non-actors feel confident in front of the camera.
The film industry can benefit from more stories told by mothers.
Moms often bond over shared experiences and challenges in parenting.
Brittany's passion for storytelling drives her creative endeavors.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Mommy Wood and Brittany Noel
02:27 Motherhood Journey and Balancing Career
06:20 The Impact of Motherhood on Creative Pursuits
12:44 Navigating Career and Family Life
18:06 On-Camera Confidence Coaching and Content Creation
23:02 The Future of Video Marketing and AI
25:11 Navigating Parenthood and Career
28:29 Shifting Goals and Perspectives Post-Parenthood
31:13 Creating Art from Experience: The Short Film Journey
36:14 The Pressures of Postpartum and Maternal Mental Health
39:57 Rallying Support for Change in Maternal Policies
45:02 The Power of Community and Shared Experiences
Summary
In this episode of Mommywood, host Emily sits down with Rachel Rosenbloom, an actor and new mom, to discuss the challenges and joys of balancing motherhood with a creative career. They explore Rachel's journey into motherhood, the adjustments she faced, and the support she found in her community. The conversation touches on the realities of pregnancy, returning to work, and the surprises of motherhood, all while emphasizing the importance of asking for help and relying on friends.
Takeaways
Rachel shares her experience of balancing motherhood and a creative career.
The importance of community support for new parents is highlighted.
Rachel discusses the challenges of pregnancy while working in the entertainment industry.
The conversation emphasizes the need for open communication with partners about parenting.
Rachel reflects on the surprises of motherhood, including the logistics of caring for a baby.
The significance of finding confidence as a new mom is explored.
Rachel encourages new moms to ask for help and rely on their friends.
The episode discusses the emotional journey of returning to work after having a baby.
Rachel shares her hopes for her daughter's memories of laughter and joy.
The conversation concludes with advice for new actor moms navigating their careers.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Mommy Wood and Rachel Rosenblum
01:28 Balancing Motherhood and a Creative Career
07:47 The Journey to Motherhood: Decisions and Challenges
13:29 Navigating Pregnancy and Work
21:12 Returning to Work After Baby
29:02 The Surprises of Motherhood
35:38 Finding Confidence as a New Mom
42:39 Advice for New Actor Moms
56:12 Closing Thoughts and Community Support
In this episode of Mommy Wood, host Emily speaks with Jackie Volney, an actress, singer, and entrepreneur, about her journey through motherhood, pregnancy, and the challenges of balancing family life with a career. Jackie shares her experiences of moving from New York City to Austin while pregnant with her second child, the importance of community support for mothers, and how she navigates her entrepreneurial journey with her Amazon business, SolaWell. The conversation delves into the emotional aspects of motherhood, the significance of trusting one's intuition, and the excitement of preparing for a new addition to the family. Jackie reflects on her identity as a mother and the creative outlets she pursues, emphasizing the importance of finding a rhythm in a new environment.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Mommy Wood and Jackie Volney
02:49 Navigating Pregnancy and Motherhood
05:54 The Move to Austin: A New Chapter
08:43 Balancing Career and Family Life
11:48 The Journey of Entrepreneurship
14:57 Finding Creative Outlets as a Mom
17:50 The Importance of Community and Support
20:47 Preparing for Baby Number Two
23:39 Reflections on Motherhood and Intuition
26:56 The Impact of Motherhood on Identity
29:54 Closing Thoughts and Future Aspirations
Takeaways
Jackie shares her experience of moving to Austin while pregnant.
The importance of community support for new mothers is emphasized.
Jackie discusses the challenges of balancing motherhood and career.
She highlights the significance of trusting one's intuition as a parent.
The conversation touches on the entrepreneurial journey during the pandemic.
Jackie reflects on the differences between her first and second pregnancies.
The role of creativity in motherhood is explored.
Jackie talks about the importance of finding a rhythm in a new environment.
The discussion includes the emotional aspects of preparing for a second child.
Jackie expresses excitement about the bond between her daughters.
In this week's episode, we explore the multifaceted journey of parenting, and personal growth. We discuss the challenges of self-taping in acting, the fleeting nature of childhood, and the importance of being present with children. The conversation also delves into mental health, postpartum experiences, and the evolution of Silly Miss Lily as a brand that aims to support parents and children through creative play and learning. We reflect on our own childhoods, the impact of community, and the pursuit of creative fulfillment in a rapidly changing world.
00:00 Introduction to Silly Miss Lily
03:03 The Challenges of Acting and Self-Taping
05:52 The Importance of Time with Children
08:41 Navigating Postpartum and Mental Health
12:01 The Birth of a New Family Member
14:40 The Evolution of Silly Miss Lily
17:31 The Role of Play in Learning
20:53 Balancing Personal Identity and Parenting
23:37 The Growth of Silly Miss Lily's Brand
26:26 The Impact of Social Media on Parenting
29:19 The Pursuit of Acting and Creative Fulfillment
32:23 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Healing
35:25 The Influence of Childhood on Parenting
38:02 The Importance of Community and Support
40:45 The Future of Silly Miss Lily
43:24 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Takeaways
The importance of being present with children during their formative years.
Self-taping can be a challenging aspect of acting, especially without feedback.
Mental health and postpartum experiences can significantly impact parenting.
Creative play is essential for children's learning and development.
Building a supportive community is crucial for parents.
The evolution of personal identity is intertwined with parenting.
Social media can be a powerful tool for sharing parenting experiences.
Consistency in pursuing creative passions is key to growth.
Reflecting on childhood can help shape parenting styles.
It's important to model self-care and relaxation for children.
In this episode of Mommywood, Emily sits down with Selah Victor, a talented actor and comedian, who shares her experiences as a mother of three boys and how she balances her creative career with the chaos of motherhood. They discuss the challenges of parenting, the importance of humor, and the impact of social media on modern parenting. Selah reflects on her journey in the entertainment industry, her voiceover work, and the lessons learned along the way. The conversation emphasizes the significance of staying present with children and the value of seeking help when needed.
Takeaways
Comedy has been a through line in Selah's life.
Motherhood can be unexpectedly challenging, even for experienced caregivers.
Having children can enhance creativity and productivity in one's career.
It's important to prioritize mental health and self-care as a parent.
Social media can be a valuable platform for sharing motherhood experiences.
Hiring help can alleviate the pressures of parenting multiple children.
Balancing work and family requires intentionality and flexibility.
Voiceover work can be a rewarding but competitive field.
Staying present with children is crucial for meaningful parenting.
It's never too late to start a family, and it can enrich your life.
00:00 Introduction to Mommy Wood and Selah Victor
02:03 The Chaos of Boy Mom Life
04:52 Expectations vs. Reality of Motherhood
10:20 Navigating Career and Family Planning
15:23 The Rise of Social Media in Motherhood
21:29 Hiring Help: The Nanny Dilemma
25:44 Balancing Work and Family Life
29:50 Creative Outlets and Content Creation
35:32 Voiceover Career Journey
39:13 Finding Balance in Parenting
48:02 Advice for Young Parents in the Industry
51:38 Life Savers and Staying Present
Sigi (Yes, like the yogurt...) is a bicoastal and bilingual Swiss-Israeli-American triple citizen. (Did you follow?) You almost saw her on Unprisoned, This Is Us, Henry Danger, and Jessie, but those roles ended up on the cutting room floor. You can, however, still catch her on Call Your Mother, Girl Meets World, The Middle, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, and the hit Apple+ series Lessons in Chemistry.
Sigi has created lots of digital content and won Best Actress for her film Optimistic Realist at the Portland Comedy Film Festival for playing an aspiring actress slash Hebrew school teacher. It was a real stretch. Sigi is a member of Theatre of NOTE and has performed on stages all over LA. Favorite critically-acclaimed productions include The Diary of Anne Frank (Best Leading Actress), Bad Jews, The Immigrant, and Askance (Outstanding Understudy in a Drama). Aside from making people laugh, Sigi can often be seen carrying seven beverages at once and an overpriced diaper bag that conveniently has no beverage holders.
On this episode of Mommywood, Sigi shares her experience navigating the complexities of motherhood, from the transition of having one child to two, to the challenges of balancing personal identity with parenting. We discuss the emotional and physical aspects of pregnancy, the dynamics between siblings, and the societal pressures surrounding maternal instinct. The conversation also touches on the realities of being a working mom in the creative industry, the importance of support systems, and the joy found in small moments with children. Ultimately, we emphasize the value of connection, creativity, and the unique journey of motherhood.
00:00 The Journey of Motherhood Begins
02:49 Navigating the Transition from One to Two
05:53 Sibling Dynamics and Playtime
08:51 Pregnancy Experiences: The Same Yet Different
11:26 The Myth of Maternal Instinct
14:28 Balancing Identity: Mom, Actor, and Comedian
17:15 The Decision to Start a Family
20:10 The Reality of Working Moms
22:59 The Challenges of Returning to Work
26:01 Finding Joy in the Chaos
29:02 The Role of Support Systems
31:53 The Impact of Pets on Family Life
34:35 Creative Pursuits Amidst Motherhood
37:18 Advice for Aspiring Actor Moms
40:29 Finding Balance and Fulfillment
43:16 The Importance of Connection and Joy
Marta, an actress and filmmaker, shares her experiences balancing motherhood and a career in the entertainment industry, discussing the challenges and opportunities she's encountered. She reflects on her journey from acting to creating her own content, including a feature film and web series, while navigating the complexities of pregnancy and parenting in Hollywood. Throughout the conversation, Marta emphasizes the importance of support networks, self-reflection, and pursuing personal goals as a parent, while also touching on industry changes and her evolving definition of success.
00:00 Introduction and Technical Challenges
02:12 Life as a Parent in LA
06:03 Journey into Acting and Early Career
09:53 Navigating Motherhood and Career
16:58 The Impact of Motherhood on Career
24:11 Creating Opportunities in a Changing Industry
31:28 The Journey of Filmmaking as a Mother
34:51 Balancing Family and Creative Pursuits
38:32 The Importance of Support Systems
42:29 Navigating Anxiety and Success
45:41 Redefining Success in Motherhood
49:53 Embracing New Opportunities
54:54 The Power of Connection and Mentorship
58:16 Debunking Myths About Actor Moms
01:03:16 Children and the Acting Industry
01:03:45 Current Life Savers and Self-Care
In this conversation, we discuss the challenges and rewards of balancing parenting with a career in casting. We explore the evolution of the industry, the importance of authenticity in auditions, and the impact of motherhood on professional choices. The discussion also touches on setting boundaries, the significance of lived experiences in shaping characters, and advice for actors returning to the industry after a break.
The journey into casting often starts with a passion for acting and collaboration.
Internships in casting have evolved, making it more equitable for newcomers.
Parenthood changes perspectives on storytelling and the types of projects one is drawn to.
Setting boundaries is crucial for maintaining a work-life balance in a demanding career.
The industry has become more flexible, allowing for remote work and diverse living situations.
Authenticity in auditions is more valuable than technical perfection.
Actors should embrace their unique perspectives and experiences in their performances.
Returning to acting after a break should be celebrated, not apologized for.
The casting process is collaborative, with casting directors rooting for actors.
The rewards of casting include witnessing the transformation of actors into their roles.
In this episode, Emily discusses the complexities of mom guilt, particularly from the perspective of actor moms. She shares her personal experiences and insights on balancing motherhood with a career in acting, emphasizing the importance of self-care and the need to overcome negative self-talk. Emily highlights that pursuing personal passions is not selfish and encourages listeners to acknowledge both the challenges and joys of being a parent in the entertainment industry.
Takeaways
Mom guilt is a unique experience for actor moms.
It's healthy for children to have time apart from their parents.
Pursuing a career in acting can feel selfish, but it's not.
Balancing work and family is a constant challenge for actor moms.
Childcare logistics can be emotionally taxing.
Taking time for yourself is essential for personal growth.
Guilt and gratitude can coexist in parenting.
Negative self-talk can exacerbate feelings of guilt.
It's important to explain your career to your children.
You are not alone in feeling mom guilt.
Chapters
00:00 Understanding Mom Guilt
02:52 The Unique Challenges of Actor Moms
06:05 Balancing Career and Family
08:52 The Emotional Weight of Childcare
12:01 Guilt and Gratitude Coexisting
14:46 Overcoming Negative Self-Talk
In this emotional solo episode, Emily explores her internal struggle about whether to have another child. She reflects on her contentment with her current family, the financial implications of expanding, and the emotional weight of her decision. Throughout the conversation, she shares her fears, hopes, and the societal pressures she feels, ultimately seeking peace with the uncertainty of her future family dynamics.
Takeaways
Emily grapples with the decision of having another child.
She feels a push and pull between contentment and curiosity.
Financial implications weigh heavily on her decision.
Living in LA adds to the financial stress of having another child.
Emily expresses guilt about potentially not giving her daughter a sibling.
She worries about her ability to be a good mom to two children.
The emotional toll of the decision is significant for her.
She acknowledges the societal pressures surrounding motherhood.
Emily reflects on her own childhood and sibling dynamics.
Ultimately, she seeks peace with the uncertainty of her decision.
Chapters
00:00 The Dilemma of Expanding the Family
08:32 Financial and Logistical Considerations
11:54 Emotional and Psychological Factors
19:24 Finding Peace with Uncertainty
In this episode, Emily discusses the often unspoken reality of survival jobs and side hustles that many actors, including herself, take on to support their artistic pursuits. She emphasizes the importance of flexibility in these roles, especially for parents balancing work and family life. Emily shares her personal experiences with various jobs, including babysitting and teaching, and reflects on how these roles have shaped her as an actor and a parent. She encourages listeners to embrace their side jobs without shame and to find joy in their hustle while pursuing their passions.
TAKE AWAYS
00:00 The Reality of Survival Jobs
12:01 Balancing Act: Parenting and Acting
20:37 Embracing the Hustle: No Shame in Side Jobs
In this solo episode, Emily gets honest about that one dream role—the one she hasn’t booked yet, but still believes is out there. She dives into what the role is, why it matters so much, and how becoming a mom has shifted the vision.
From industry detours to internal doubts, she shares the quiet truths many actor-moms carry—and how claiming a dream out loud is sometimes the boldest move of all.
This episode is your permission slip to name what you want, unapologetically. Because it’s never too late, and you’re never too far behind.
✨ In This Episode:
What Emily’s dream role actually is—and what it says about her
Why she stayed quiet about it for so long
How motherhood deepened her creative vision
Limiting beliefs she’s still working through
What it means to claim a dream while also juggling motherhood
An invitation to listeners to share their dream roles, too
What’s the dream role you’re still holding onto? DM us or share it in your IG Stories and tag @mommywoodpodcast—we want to manifest with you. ✨
✨ In This Episode:📲 Join the Conversation:
In this solo episode, Emily gets personal about something so many moms in entertainment rarely say out loud: “I didn’t know who I was anymore.” From sleepless nights to missing auditions, feeling disconnected from your creativity to not recognizing yourself in the mirror, she dives into the blurry, beautiful, and bumpy path of rediscovering your identity after having a baby.
Emily shares the real story of how becoming a mom shook—and ultimately reshaped—her sense of self as a woman and actor. She talks about what helped her feel like herself again, how motherhood has changed her work, and why reclaiming your identity is not a return to the past but an evolution.
Whether you’re deep in the baby years, pregnant and panicked, or years out and still figuring it out—this one’s for you.
⸻
🔥 In This Episode:
• When the identity shift really hit
• The grief and beauty of letting go of your “before” self
• What surprised her about the timeline of “coming back”
• How creativity shifted post-baby
• The small things that made her feel like Emily again
• Words of encouragement to any mom feeling invisible right now
⸻
📲 Connect with us:
Follow @mommywoodpodcast on Instagram for behind-the-scenes, reels, and updates.
Leave us a review if this episode made you feel seen—we read every single one!
This week on Mommywood, it's just the two of us—Emily and Cecilia—pulling back the curtain and catching up on all the beautiful chaos of working mom life. No guests, no filters, just real talk. We’re diving into everything from preschool drop-offs and career curveballs to late-night edits and early-morning tantrums (from us or the kids? You decide).
If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing it all and somehow still missing something, this one’s for you. It’s raw, funny, and just a little messy—like motherhood itself.
Takeaways
Life can get busy, and scheduling can be challenging.
Finding time for self-care is essential for parents.
Schooling choices can be overwhelming for parents.
Community support plays a crucial role in parenting.
Balancing work and family life requires constant adjustment.
Children's school experiences can greatly impact family dynamics.
Sharing parenting experiences can help alleviate feelings of isolation.
The importance of having a support system in parenting.
Future aspirations can evolve as children grow older.
Engaging with guests can provide new insights into motherhood. Motherhood is often described as the hardest job.
Celebrity parents face unique challenges in balancing work and family.
Family planning discussions can be complex and emotional.
The pressure to have multiple children varies among parents.
Every parent's threshold for managing children is different.
Creating a loving environment is a key parenting win.
Apologizing to children after losing patience is important.
Parents often feel guilty about their parenting choices.
The importance of communication with children about feelings.
Celebrating the unique qualities of our children is essential.
Chapters
00:00 Reconnecting After Time Apart
03:00 Navigating Parenting and Work Life
05:59 Schooling Decisions and Experiences
11:56 The Impact of Community and Support
15:10 Future Aspirations and Guest Ideas
20:14 The Reality of Motherhood
23:45 Family Planning Conversations
26:02 The Pressure of Parenting
30:32 Wins and Fails in Parenting
41:05 Celebrating Our Kids
Audrey's Acting Career and Business Insights
Audrey discusses her journey in the acting industry, emphasizing that she's always learning and that the business is constantly changing. Audrey shares that while she's had many challenges, she's never considered quitting acting.
Supporting Actor Parents and Child Choices
Audrey discusses her passion for supporting actor parents, emphasizing the importance of diverse perspectives in storytelling. She shares her personal decision not to have children, explaining that she always knew motherhood wasn't for her. Audrey describes her supportive role as a friend to parents, making herself available to help and be part of their chosen family in Los Angeles.
Actors' Parenthood Challenges and Media Representation
Audrey discusses the challenges actors face when considering parenthood, highlighting the lack of transparency about time, energy, and financial commitments. She emphasizes the fear and uncertainty actors experience, especially in the first decade of their careers, as they balance their acting pursuits with the desire to start a family. She expresses frustration with the lack of detailed discussions about the logistics of balancing parenthood and an acting career, particularly in media interviews and podcasts.
Parenting and Friendship DynamicsEmily discusses her experiences with friendships after becoming a parent. Emily emphasizes the importance of putting oneself out there to form new connections, particularly with other parents.
Supporting New Mothers and Caregivers
Emily and Audrey discuss ways to support new mothers and caregivers. They emphasize the importance of taking initiative rather than asking open-ended questions about needs. Suggestions include bringing food, doing household chores, and offering specific help like grocery shopping or hiring a cleaner. They also stress the importance of setting boundaries and communicating them clearly.
Balancing Acting Careers With Parenthood
Emily and Audrey discuss the challenges of balancing acting careers with parenthood, particularly regarding self-tape auditions. They highlight the difficulties of finding time and space to record auditions while caring for children, as well as the financial burden of childcare or schooling. Emily shares her experience of having an actor husband as a reader and paying for her daughter's schooling to create time for auditions. They also touch on the isolation some parent actors face when unable to reciprocate as readers for their non-parent actor friends.
Parenting Challenges and Socioeconomic Disparities
Audrey and Emily discuss the challenges of parenting as children grow older. Audrey shares that her friends with older children find themselves busier with activities and social commitments, contrary to expectations of having more free time. Emily expresses concern about managing multiple children's schedules and the financial burden of extracurricular activities, especially in Los Angeles. They also touch on the socioeconomic disparities in LA and the difficulties of maintaining a middle-class lifestyle, emphasizing the importance of empathy and understanding in these situations.
Audrey's Selftape May Initiative
Audrey discusses her self-tape practice initiative called "Selftape May," which she started to help actors improve their audition skills without spending money. She encourages actors to practice self-tapes regularly, aiming for about four per week, to build capacity and solve logistical issues. Audrey and Emily also discuss the challenges of balancing acting careers with parenting responsibilities, emphasizing the importance of finding ways to practice and improve despite time constraints. Audrey mentions therapy and her supportive husband as her current lifesavers.
Contact Emily Feldt Shabel
Exploring Career Transitions and Growth
Emily Bolt and Emily Feldt discussed their career transitions. Emily Feldt shared her journey from acting to therapy, highlighting how it helped her untangle thoughts and feelings.
Balancing Acting and Family Life
Emily and Emily discussed the challenges of balancing acting and other careers, particularly as people start families. Emily shared her plans to start a family, noting that her work as a therapist has provided her with tools to navigate this process.
Therapy's Impact on Parenting Skills
Emily and Emily discussed the benefits of therapy and its impact on their personal lives. Emily shared that therapy has provided her with valuable communication skills, which she believes will be beneficial in her future as a parent.
Navigating Fears of Starting a Family
In the meeting, Emily Bolt and Emily Feldt discussed the challenges and fears associated with starting a family, particularly for women in the workforce. Emily Feldt emphasized the importance of staying present and communicating with partners, friends, and therapists.
Balancing Creativity and Family Life
Emily and Emily discussed the challenges creatives face when considering starting a family. They emphasized the importance of open communication with partners about finances, parenting styles, and maintaining creativity. Emily suggested that creatives should not feel pressured to have everything figured out from the start and should prioritize flexibility and self-care.
Setting Boundaries for Creatives
Emily and Emily discussed the challenges of setting boundaries between work and personal life, particularly for creatives. They agreed that it's difficult to establish specific boundaries that work for everyone, but suggested being more intentional about where to put energy and getting in tune with one's needs.
Art, Storytelling, and Mental Health
Emily and Emily discussed the importance of art and storytelling in people's lives. They talked about how the perception of art as a valid career can be challenged, and how mental health plays a significant role in sustaining careers and relationships. Emily emphasized that healing doesn't erase life experiences, but rather allows for better functioning.
Balancing Family and Career Flexibility
Emily Feldt discusses her plans for balancing family and career, emphasizing the importance of flexibility. She intends to take a short maternity leave and return to therapy, appreciating the ability to set her own schedule as a therapist.
Artists' Paradox: Control and Confidence
Emily Bolt and Emily Feldt discuss the paradox of control-seeking individuals choosing careers in the arts, where control is limited. They explore the idea that uncertainty and the potential for unexpected success can be enticing. The conversation touches on the need for artists to believe in themselves, with Feldt reassuring that this self-belief is not delusional but a necessary skill. They conclude by drawing parallels between the confidence needed in acting and parenting, emphasizing the importance of believing in one's ability to learn and adapt.
Today, I’m so excited to welcome the incredibly talented Lauren Marcus to the show! Lauren is a powerhouse in the theater world, currently performing in The Jonathan Larson Project at the Orpheum Theater, celebrating the lesser-known works of the legendary Rent composer. You might also recognize her from the film adaptation of Tick, Tick… Boom!, which she filmed during the early days of the pandemic. But beyond her impressive resume, Lauren is also a mom—navigating the ups and downs of parenting while balancing a busy career in entertainment.
In this episode, we get real about what it means to be both an artist and a mother—the joys, the struggles, and those moments when you’re just trying to survive on broken sleep and sheer determination. Lauren opens up about her journey through pregnancy, her challenging birth experience, and how she’s adjusting as her daughter approaches her first birthday. We talk about everything from the pressure to “bounce back” after having a baby to the constant juggle of work, childcare, and personal identity. And, of course, we share some laughs (and maybe a few rants) about things like baby sleep schedules, toddler tantrums, and the challenge of keeping our language in check around little ears!
Lauren also shares what it’s like to take her daughter on the road while performing, the realities of finding childcare when you work unpredictable hours, and the emotional weight of being away from home for long stretches. It’s a conversation full of honesty, humor, and that deep understanding
that only comes from talking to another mom who gets it.
We also dive into the emotional tug-of-war so many of us feel—missing the freedom of our pre-motherhood selves while absolutely loving this new, all-consuming role as parents. Lauren and I talk about how our careers have shifted since having kids, the guilt that creeps in whether we’re working or at home, and the constant challenge of making it all work. Spoiler alert: no one has it figured out, and that’s okay!
Whether you’re a working mom trying to balance it all, a fellow theater parent navigating unpredictable schedules, or just someone who loves a good, honest conversation about the beautiful mess of motherhood, this episode is for you. So grab a cup of coffee (or reheat the one you forgot about three hours ago), get comfy, and join us for a heart-to-heart with the amazing Lauren Marcus.
Let’s get into it! 🎤✨
